California researchers weaned calves with only a fence (F) separating them from their dams. These were compared to calves weaned totally separate (S) from dams. During the first three days, F calves bawled and walked less and ate and rested more, but these differences disappeared by the fourth day. All calves were managed together starting 7 days after weaning. After three weeks, F calves had gained 23lb more than S. This difference persisted since, after 10 weeks, F calves had gained 110lb (1.57lb/day), compared to 84lb (1.20lb/day) for S. There was no report of any differences in sickness, but calves that eat more during the first days after weaning should stay healthier. To wean and background, even for short periods, fenceline weaning should be considered.
Country Of Orgin
Part of the new Farm Bill involves country of origin labeling (COOL) of some food products, including red meats, scheduled to become mandatory in 2004. It will apply to non-restaurant sales of non-mixed products. So, if you buy a steak out of the grocery store it will be labeled. But a steak at a restaurant will not. Some think that consumers will pay more if they know that meat is U. S. born, raised, and processed. But others note that some imported products command higher prices in niche markets by stressing their source, such as Danish pork. Time will tell who is right. But one thing is sure, it's not going to be easy and will cost something to label. Let's hope it's worth it.
Cattle Breeds - How Different Are They?
The U. S. Meat Animal Research Center is taking another look at differences among the most numerous British and Continental breeds. MARC had compared most of these same breeds in the early 70s. At that time, 18-month-old heifers by Simmental and Charolais sires (out of Angus or Hereford dams) weighed 56lb and 59lb more than Angus-Hereford crossbred heifers. Limousin-sired heifers weighed exactly the same as the black baldies. The latest comparison shows the following sire differences (compared to Angus-Hereford): Simmental, 19lb heavier; Charolais, 8lb heavier; Limousin, 10lb lighter, additional evidence that breeds are more similar today. What about frame score? It wasn't measured in the earlier studies, but the latest averages by sire breed are: Angus-Hereford, 5.4; Simmental, 5.9; Charolais, 5.8; Limousin 5.8.
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